Veteran Richard Jefferson signing with Denver Nuggets

CLEVELAND – Veteran forward Richard Jefferson is signing a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets. Jefferson confirmed the deal in a text message to The Vertical.

“I picked Denver because I believe in what they are doing and building and believe I can add and contribute on and off the court to their nucleus in a positive way,” Jefferson told The Vertical.

Jefferson, 37, fielded offers from several teams after being waived by Atlanta on Saturday. The Hawks acquired Jefferson from Cleveland earlier Saturday; the Cavaliers needed to clear a roster spot and moving Jefferson and Kay Felder saved $12.8 million in potential luxury-tax penalties.

Jefferson played in 79 games for Cleveland last season and was a key role player in the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title run.

Jefferson goes from a team competing for a championship to one gunning for one of the Western Conference’s final playoff spots. He joins a crowded frontcourt rotation that includes Wilson Chandler, Paul Millsap and Kenneth Faried.